Garage Door Maintenance And Care

Residential - Commercial - Industrial

Discover The Secrets To Keeping Your Garage Door In Top Shape! Learn Essential Maintenance Tips And Ensure Seamless Functionality

Are you tired of your garage door making strange noises or not functioning properly? Well, fret no more! In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to keep your garage door in tip-top shape. By following these simple maintenance and care tips, you can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently, giving you a sense of security and belonging.

Imagine effortlessly opening and closing your garage door without any hiccups. Picture yourself enjoying the convenience of a well-maintained garage door that adds value to your property. With regular lubrication of moving parts, inspection and maintenance of springs and cables, cleaning and inspection of tracks and rollers, testing and adjusting the garage door opener, as well as weatherproofing and protecting it from the elements, you can achieve just that.

So why wait? Let’s dive into the world of proper garage door maintenance together!

Key Takeaways

  • Regular lubrication of moving parts is essential for smooth and efficient operation of the garage door. It prevents rust, reduces friction, and prolongs the lifespan of the components.
  • Springs and cables should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure a balanced door and prevent accidents. Adjusting the tension of the springs and replacing damaged cables is important for safe operation.
  • Cleaning and inspecting tracks and rollers is crucial for the smooth and safe operation of the garage door. Removing debris and dirt, scrubbing the tracks, and addressing any issues promptly can prevent costly repairs in the future.
  • Weatherproofing and protecting the door from the elements is important for its longevity and appearance. Regular painting or repainting, sealing gaps or cracks, and using weatherstripping or caulk can protect against moisture, UV rays, and unwanted pests.

Regular Lubrication of Moving Parts

Regular lubrication of moving parts is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your garage door. Choosing a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant specifically designed for garage doors is essential. These lubricants provide the necessary protection against rust and friction while also preventing the attraction of dust or dirt.

To apply the lubricant, start by cleaning the tracks and rollers to remove any debris. Then, apply a small amount of lubricant on the tracks, hinges, springs, and rollers. Make sure to distribute it evenly using a rag or brush. It is recommended to lubricate these parts every six months or as needed, depending on the climate conditions in your area.

Regular lubrication will ensure that your garage door glides smoothly and operates efficiently. Now that you know how to keep your garage door running smoothly with regular lubrication, let’s move on to the inspection and maintenance of springs and cables.

Inspection and Maintenance of Springs and Cables

Make sure to regularly check and maintain the springs and cables, for a stitch in time saves nine. The tension adjustment is an important aspect of garage door maintenance. Over time, the springs may lose their tension, causing the door to become unbalanced and difficult to open or close. By adjusting the tension of the springs, you can ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and safely.

In addition to tension adjustment, it is crucial to inspect and replace any damaged or worn-out cables. Cables play a vital role in supporting the weight of the garage door as it opens and closes. If they are frayed or broken, they can pose a serious safety hazard.

To prevent any accidents or malfunctions, regularly inspect your springs and cables for signs of wear or damage. Replace them immediately if necessary.

Now that we’ve covered the inspection and maintenance of springs and cables, let’s move on to discuss cleaning and inspection of tracks and rollers.

Cleaning and Inspection of Tracks and Rollers

Regularly cleaning and inspecting the tracks and rollers is essential to ensure smooth and safe operation, keeping your garage door in top-notch condition.

To clean the tracks, start by removing any debris or dirt using a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner. Then, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to scrub away any stubborn grime. Be sure to dry the tracks thoroughly afterwards to prevent rust.

Inspect the tracks for any signs of damage such as bends or dents, as this can affect the door’s movement. If you notice any issues, it is important to address them promptly by contacting a professional technician.

By regularly cleaning and inspecting your garage door tracks and rollers, you can prevent costly repairs in the future.

Now let’s move on to testing and adjusting the garage door opener for optimal performance.

Testing and Adjusting the Garage Door Opener

Once you’ve got the tracks and rollers spick and span, it’s time to put that garage door opener through its paces and give it a little TLC.

Testing the safety of your garage door opener is crucial to ensure it operates smoothly and without any potential hazards. Start by checking if the auto-reverse feature is functioning properly. Place an object in the path of the closing door, and if it doesn’t reverse upon contact, there may be an issue that needs troubleshooting.

Next, test the manual release mechanism to make sure you can open and close the door manually in case of a power outage or emergency. Additionally, inspect the wiring for any signs of damage or loose connections.

After addressing any problems, move on to adjusting the motor sensitivity settings for smooth operation.

With these testing steps complete, you can now transition into weatherproofing and protecting your garage door from elements without skipping a beat.

Weatherproofing and Protecting the Door from Elements

To ensure the longevity and durability of your garage door, it’s important to take proactive measures in weatherproofing and shielding it from the harsh elements. By following these steps, you can protect your door and keep it looking great for years to come:

  • Regularly paint or repaint your garage door to provide a protective layer against moisture and UV rays. This will help prevent fading, cracking, and peeling.

  • Inspect your garage door for any gaps or cracks that may allow water or pests to enter. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these areas, ensuring a tight seal that keeps out drafts and unwanted critters.

By investing time in exterior painting and repainting as well as sealing gaps and cracks, you are taking active steps in protecting your garage door from the elements. This will not only enhance its appearance but also extend its lifespan, providing you with peace of mind knowing that your garage is well-maintained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of your garage door is essential to ensure its longevity and smooth operation.

Regularly lubricating the moving parts is important to keep them functioning properly. Inspecting and maintaining the springs and cables is crucial for safety and preventing accidents.

Cleaning and inspecting the tracks and rollers will help prevent debris buildup and ensure smooth movement. Testing and adjusting the opener is necessary to ensure it is working correctly.

Weatherproofing the door is important to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan.

Did you know that according to a survey conducted by a leading garage door manufacturer, 70% of garage door malfunctions are due to lack of maintenance?

So, make sure to invest some time in proper care for your garage door to avoid any inconveniences in the future.

We Work With All Brands

We work with all gate, garage door, fence, and access control brands and models.

Highly-Qualified Technicians

We have a team of licensed, insured & experienced technicians.

Contact Us

Alpha Gate & Door Co.
3622 Lakeridge Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051-4627

Alpha Gate & Door Co. Truck

Garage Door Maintenance And Care

Automatic Gates

Garage Door Maintenance And Care FAQ's

How often should I clean and inspect the tracks and rollers of my garage door?

To keep your garage door running smoothly, clean and inspect the tracks and rollers every 6 months. Regular cleaning removes debris and lubricating the rollers ensures they operate properly, extending their lifespan and preventing potential issues.

Can I use any type of lubricant for the moving parts of my garage door?

To keep your garage door moving smoothly, it’s best to use silicone lubricant on the moving parts. Avoid using WD-40 or other alternatives as they can attract dirt and cause damage over time.

What should I do if I notice fraying or damage to the springs or cables?

If you notice fraying or damage to the springs or cables, it’s important to address them immediately. Inspect the springs regularly for signs of wear and tear, and replace damaged cables promptly to ensure your garage door operates smoothly and safely.

How often should I test and adjust my garage door opener?

To ensure smooth operation, test and adjust your garage door opener at least once a year. It’s like tuning a musical instrument – fine-tuning the opener keeps it in harmony with your daily routines and ensures long-lasting performance.

What are the best methods for weatherproofing and protecting my garage door from the elements?

Protect your garage door from the elements with protective coatings, sealing techniques, and tips for preventing rust and corrosion. Apply weatherstripping to seal gaps, use a rust-resistant paint or coating, and regularly clean and lubricate all moving parts.

Author Bio

Terry Wooten

Terry Wooten

Terry Wooten is a distinguished professional in the realm of automated gate systems, renowned for his expertise as a Certified Automated Gate Systems Designer and Automated Gate Operator Installer. With a passion for innovative technology and a keen eye for detail, Terry has carved a niche for himself in the industry, ensuring the seamless integration of cutting-edge gate automation solutions.

A dedicated member of the International Door Association and the Institute of Door Dealers, Terry is committed to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. His involvement in these esteemed organizations reflects his unwavering dedication to professional development and the highest standards of excellence in the field.

Drawing on years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of automated gate systems, Terry Wooten has become a trusted name in the industry. His commitment to delivering top-notch services and staying abreast of the latest industry trends positions him as a leading authority in the design and installation of automated gate systems. Through his work, Terry continues to contribute to the evolution of the industry, ensuring secure and efficient access solutions for a wide range of clients.

Further reading:

Garage Door Noise Reduction

Return Back to Our Parent Service: New Garage Doors

Leave Us A Review On Google

4.9
Based on 87 reviews
powered by Google
Randy Rutledge
23:18 02 Apr 25
Great to work with a supplier that actually bids a job, completes it on time and on budget. Terry and his crew were a pleasure to deal with and installed a great product on a very challenging area. Would definitely recommend and use again
Eric Welman
15:51 02 Apr 25
The gate replacement work was performed professionally and to my complete satisfaction. They also did the work at a very fair price. Very happy with them.
Lynn Davoudian
12:49 18 Mar 25
Fantastic company & services ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rita Egeland
00:58 16 Mar 25
The service and the work that was done was exceptional. We needed to replace three very old (and very heavy) garage doors in a home that was built in 1960. There were a number of challenges along the way and each one was met professionally and in a timely manner. Lisa was an excellent communicator and highly responsive. Kevin did an extraordinary job with a fairly involved installation. His 'can do' attitude was very refreshing and reassuring. As noted, the final result was terrific. The pricing was VERY reasonable and very fair. The install was completed two days ago and I have already received compliments from the neighbors!
Gordon Crow
01:49 01 Mar 25
Easy to schedule. Fair & competitive pricing for a quick gate opener repair
Barrett Campbell
23:46 15 Jan 25
I called Terry to help with a damaged gate and masonry column. He came out the same day to help diagnose the issue and offered a sensible solution. He got the gate system repaired quickly and I was back up and running. I will definitely be calling Terry in the future. Thank you,
Scott Kirscht
18:41 15 Dec 24
Excellent door and gate company. I would give them 10 stars. I had extremely tight tolerances and Terry and his crew engineered the gate down to the inch. Top of the line materials and great service. Highly recommend.
E Yaeger
16:35 11 Dec 24
On Oct. 31 my electric gate stopped working and I called Alpha Gate and Door and talked to Lisa. She was great and based on my symptoms said she thought it was the battery and she would send Kealan out the next day. He came and replaced the battery with a 12 v 55ah battery. I asked him to rehang my reflector light on my neighbors new fence so the motion sensor would work. It had worked fine prior to that being taken down. He did that and it worked for a minute and then stopped. He rewired it and it worked once and he left. The next day I noticed the sensor was not working but I didn’t really care because my dog is too small to trigger it. I was charged $448 -$169 for the service call, $249 for the battery and $30 to rewire the sensor. I work exclusively from home as an attorney and never even use the gate during the week. A few weeks later the gate stopped operation completely and I called on Dec. 6. Lisa said she would send Kealan out. He called me and I said the gate would not open at all, the sensor was not working and the sensor was making a nonstop buzzing noise. He arrived fairly late in the day and I saw him pull into my driveway but he did not come to my door and went straight to the gate. I immediately went out there and I saw when he opened the cover that the battery charger lights were not on. He was in a very bad mood and starting ripping the battery out and said I needed a new battery. I said I guess it was because the battery charger wasn’t plugged in. I was not mad about it because that can happen to anyone. He got really mad at that point, I guess because I knew what had happened. He demanded to know whether I had unplugged it, grabbed a huge battery that would not even fit in my unit, then declared the charger had “allegedly” not been plugged in. As he was trying to force the battery in and was slamming everything around, I asked him if he had a smaller battery. He said no, it was whomever installed my gate opener’s fault because the antenna was on the left and they were usually on the right. He continued to try to force it but could not get the cover on. So he gave up and said he would come back Monday with a smaller battery. I assumed the sensor was not working because the battery had died. I heard nothing from anyone the following Monday and had had it so I called Lisa and yelled and told her the way Kealan had behaved and when was the battery actually going to be installed. She said she would talk to Kealan and I said do you have anybody else who is not a jackass who could come instead. She said she would investigate and call me back. She never called me back and apparently the next day around lunch Kealan snuck onto my property, did not tell me he was there, and put in another battery and texted me the gate was now working. I went outside to try it and the remote was not working at all. I have programmed remotes many times (I have done a lot of products liability work and handled cases with complex machinery failures and deposed a lot of engineers so I am not unfamiliar with this type of equipment) and checked it and the receiver was getting the signal from the transmitter but the control board was not opening the gate.So I called Lisa, explained he had come but not told me he was there, and that the remote was not opening the gate. I also apologized for yelling at her the day before because it was not her fault. She said she would tell him. After that call I remembered there is a reset button on the Patriot control board so I went out and pushed it and that caused the remote to work so I called Lisa and said it was working. The new battery is smaller than the one he had originally put in and retails for about $95. The motion sensor still does not work, I have done jumping jacks in front of of it to know avail. I am not bothering to call again about that because Kealan would probably get really mad again. He does NOT like his competence put into question. You decide if $249 is a fair markup on a $95 battery.
Julie Bealke
00:55 09 Nov 24
We are very happy with the service we received from Alpha Gate & Door. We had a 20-year old gate that stopped working. Upon our first call, they were quick to respond, provide an estimate & schedule the work. The tech was very thorough and at the end explained all of the updates. I know that if I ever need anything else, I will call them.
Carl Robertson
13:52 26 Sep 24
I highly recommend Alpha Gate and Door. Lisa was very helpful and honest and answered all of my questions.
Jim Wallin
20:37 25 Sep 24
I am extremely happy with the installation and operation of the our new Alpha Gate / gate opener. Their tech was very thorough and gave me an excellent walk through of the installed hardware and operation of the system. The installation of our new gate opener was completed on time and on the agreed to day of installation. I believe that I really got my moneys worth on this on this home upgrade.
Rahim Fancy
14:12 10 Sep 24
Excellent service on both a gate and a garage door motor update. Needed help, got it immediately, price was great, technicians were very well versed, and explained everything to me. I felt very comfortable and satisfied. Highly recommend.
Greg Pressly
20:35 11 Aug 24
Great Service from Alpha Gate & Door! We have used them for almost 20 years. They are professional, honest, and reasonable. Lisa is always easy to deal with and very efficient in getting us scheduled for a service call. She is so helpful in trying to solve the problem before sending someone out - how great is that! Kealan is AMAZING as our Service Tech. He is very knowledgeable & professional and provides great tips on how to care for and maintain our gate. Kealan makes for a perfect customer experience!
David
21:42 02 Jun 24
Excellent service from arrival time to departure. Very knowledgeable and had a lot of good suggestions for improving my gates performance.
GregB
15:47 29 Apr 24
I was having issues with a noisy garage door. I called alpha gate and doors and they came out in no time and fixed the issue. I highly recommend this company
Phillip Staggs
18:43 19 Apr 24
Priyank Desai
18:06 19 Mar 24
Had to have the hinges on my gate replaced. Alpha Gate was knowledgeable and fairly priced. They conducted the repair the next day and my gate is whisper quiet now. I highly recommend them!
joe valencia
00:14 19 Mar 24
Alpha Gate &Door Co. , The owners are amazing I had several questions and they where quick to respond, and got me the info. I will always call them as they made me feel like family, and had me fixed up in no time. Thanks for such an amazing experience!
Brian G
00:24 11 Nov 23
I highly recommend Alpha Gate & Door Company! The entire process was incredibly quick and professional! I spoke with Lisa (she’s amazing and extremely knowledgeable) on Tuesday and she came out Wednesday with a recommendation to replace the gate opener that was faulty and couldn’t handle the weight of my gate. I received the reasonable quote the same day and their technician, Keelan, was at my house on Friday of the SAME WEEK to install. Keelan was just as courteous and professional as Lisa and did an amazing job! The install was perfect and pristine! I’ve tried working with other companies and honestly they are hands down the best! If there were 10 stars available, I would give them 10!
Thank you Alpha team!
Greg McAllister
22:31 06 Sep 23
Mark Wilgus
22:02 18 Jul 23
I highly recommend Alpha Gate & Door Co.for your gate repair or installation needs. We were in need of a replacement system for or driveway gate. Lisa immediately understood my situation and had a perfect recommendation for a replacement. She emailed me a detailed proposal and followed up with a visit to our site. In a timely manner the technician, Kealin and his assistant George, professionally installed a complete Patriot 1 system that looks great and works perfectly. I am very pleased with all aspects of their service.
B WBURG
14:47 20 Apr 23
Alpha Gate & Door recently replaced our 3-gate system thats used by over 250 residents and visitors on a daily basis.

Terry was excellent in guiding us from the first visit to the final inspection, including his experiences on what to expect and where any likely issues would occur. With a large property, that was critical to avoiding problems that could pop up.

The crews, clean up and invoicing were all done professionally.

We would strongly recommend Alpha Gate & Door for your gate access needs.
Bobby Broyles
14:52 21 Mar 23
These folks were great! They could have charged me for a new garage door opener, but instead they fix the one I had. Way to go!
Craig DeMoss
21:32 11 Feb 23
We were having some issues with our gate opener and contacted Alpha while looking for a company to take care of it. From the first call to explain what was going on it was great. Very friendly folks! Kealan came out and has us fixed up in no time at all. Fair pricing and great service!
Bradford Gardner
14:18 30 Jan 23
Called on a Saturday morning around 0800 and left a message about issue I was having. I received a call back a few minutes later and was ask to send some pictures of the gate. Once I sent over the pictures, I got another call around 1200, asking if they could come by today as a crew was finished early and could swing by to fix. The gate was fixed by 3:00 same day. Thanks for the quick response and repair. I wasn't expecting that on a Saturday morning. So far so good.
John Hopkins
23:20 21 Nov 22
Great service. They were truly experts at install. Understanding what we needed. Highly recommend. Will use them again.
richard arini
21:19 16 Nov 22
The workmanship was very well done. Price was reasonable, the new bracket on our electric gate is an improvement from what was the original part. I highly recommend Alpha Gate and Door.
Justin Huffman
19:17 09 Aug 22
Alpha gate was incredible to work with. From beginning to end, they were responsive, flexible and provided quality work to go along with great service. We will definitely recommend!
Grant Good
13:15 29 Nov 21
Alpha Gate & Door installed a gate at my home. My wife and are more than pleased with the quality and workmanship of our get. The gate is heavy gauge steel with highest quality. The actuator works very well and is also highest quality. Service was great and can't recommend them enough!

Trusted By

Gate Logos

Visit Alpha Gate & Door Co. on Google Maps

Alpha Gate & Door Co. Truck

If you have any question regarding our service, we encourage you to schedule an appointment or phone consultation with one of our staff.

3622 Lakeridge Dr.,
Grapevine, TX

Monday – Friday:
7:00am – 7pm

Alpha Gate & Door Co.
info@alphaautomatedaccess.com